Parks and recreation

Council eyes $30.3 million in projects over 5 years

A pedestrian bridge over the Scioto River is planned for construction in 2015.

The five-year capital improvement program Dublin City Council will vote on Sept. 9 includes $13 million in funding for a new pedestrian bridge in the $30.3 million planned for parks and recreation projects.

Land acquisition and design of the bridge that will cross the Scioto River north of state Route 161 are planned for 2013 and 2014, with construction expected to be completed in 2015.

The bridge will take pedestrians across the river and a riverside park is also planned, with $7.95 million programmed from 2013 to 2015 for the project.

The park will include land on both sides of the river and is expected to have trails and river access.

Other major parks projects include $1.7 million over the next five years for projects at Darree Fields and $2.3 million for the Coffman Park expansion.

At Darree Fields, a community garden will be installed next year and an off-road bike course will be built in phases from 2015 to 2017.

In 2017, funds are also available to replace the surface at the Miracle League Field. Parks and Open Spaces Director Fred Hahn said the rubber surface where baseball is played needs to be replaced.

At Coffman Park, development of the expansion to the east will include a partial parking lot along Commerce Parkway, a boulder field, restroom facilities and a new hard court and skate park area. The new basketball court area and skate park are expected to be constructed in 2017.

Hahn said at least two lighted basketball courts will be included in the Coffman Park expansion.

Funds were also allocated for further development of the Holder-Wright Earthworks and park at the property on Riverside Drive, north of Emerald Parkway.

A restroom, parking lot, pedestrian bridge, visitor orientation area and paths are planned for 2015 and 2016.

Amberleigh Community Park will also get some upgrades as stairs to the Scioto River, sidewalks, a bridge, fencing and landscaping are planned in 2014.

The park is expected to get a half basketball court, shelter and pier sometime past 2018.

Funding for outdoor exercise equipment and an obstacle course was also included in parks funding.

In 2014, $255,000 is allocated for an obstacle course and $35,000 for outdoor exercise equipment.

"The equipment is very similar to what you'd have at an indoor fitness facility," Hahn said.

"This is not a chin-up bar. There is some level of sophistication with the equipment."

The location for the obstacle course and outdoor fitness equipment is yet to be determined, but Hahn said a park with heavy traffic is likely to be chosen.